Somali Hostage Release: S. Korea Applauds Singaporean

The Korean government to honor Singaporean shipping company owner for his efforts to successfully rescue Korean sailors from Somali pirates.

Four South Korean crew members were kidnapped by Somali pirates on April 30, 2011 aboard the MT Gemini, a tanker operated by Singapore-based Glory Ship Management, and after 582 days of captivity, they were set free after the firm paid an unspecified amount of ransom. (the South Korean government maintains a policy of not directly engaging with pirates) reports the Korea Times.

On behalf of the South Korean government the shipping company led the long and arduous negotiations. During the talks, the owner, Soh Wei Liang, maintained close contact with Seoul officials and the crew members' families in the southern port city of Busan to brief them on the developments.

It is anticipated that Mr Soh Wei Liang will be awarded a medal or be given some other official recognition by the S. Korean Government.

Source: Korea Times